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fantaiil's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
mariiray's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
annadeprycker's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
topdragon's review against another edition
3.0
I always have mixed feelings when I read a Dan Brown novel. This one was no exception.
Robert Langdon, history professor and symbologist extraordinaire, wakes up in a hospital bed in Italy with no memory of the last day and a half. He is soon launched on an adventure, chased by a mysterious assassin throughout the city of Florence and beyond, always with an overwhelming feeling of being out of control due to his lack of memory. But everything seems to surround the poet Dante and his masterwork, [b:The Divine Comedy|6656|The Divine Comedy|Dante Alighieri|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1624535952l/6656._SY75_.jpg|809248].
As usual for a Dan Brown novel, the plot is interesting with plenty of twists and turns. He does, however, take plenty of detours getting to it. The overarching theme in this one is the idea than mankind is dooming itself through overpopulation and a madman is out to correct the situation via the release of a catastrophic plague. We’ve seen this sort of thing before of course: we need to erase most of the human population on earth so that we can start over and do it better next time. While reading this book I spent most of my time thinking this was just another in a long line of such plots but fortunately, Brown provides an interesting twist that turns things on their head. The ending is actually pretty good and worth the time to plod through the rest of it.
However, the novel suffers from two main things, both hallmarks of Dan Brown novels. First, he can’t resist being a tour guide. A certain amount of this is fine because it adds color and its cool to see how it can relate to the unfolding plot. But he just goes overboard. A large chunk of the novel is spent with our main characters running from the people trying to catch them. But it’s as if the author planned their escape routes so they would go from one touristy spot to another merely to allow Langdon to pontificate on the artwork or architecture or history of that spot. Wouldn’t want all that author research to go to waste. It really bogs down the plot.
The second problem area is the writing itself. Unrealistic dialog, amateur phrasing, repetitive prose and massive pacing problems permeate his work. I really noticed what I call the “American Idol” syndrome at play here. The drawing out of suspense, beyond the breaking point. Like when the American Idol folks stretch out who is going home, teasing and stalling, and then going to a commercial break before the announcement. It’s like that here too. In my mind, it cheapens the story.
So, in the end, I like the plot but would prefer the book be edited down by at least twenty percent, resisting the urge to stop the action to admire yet one more sculpture.
Robert Langdon, history professor and symbologist extraordinaire, wakes up in a hospital bed in Italy with no memory of the last day and a half. He is soon launched on an adventure, chased by a mysterious assassin throughout the city of Florence and beyond, always with an overwhelming feeling of being out of control due to his lack of memory. But everything seems to surround the poet Dante and his masterwork, [b:The Divine Comedy|6656|The Divine Comedy|Dante Alighieri|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1624535952l/6656._SY75_.jpg|809248].
As usual for a Dan Brown novel, the plot is interesting with plenty of twists and turns. He does, however, take plenty of detours getting to it. The overarching theme in this one is the idea than mankind is dooming itself through overpopulation and a madman is out to correct the situation via the release of a catastrophic plague. We’ve seen this sort of thing before of course: we need to erase most of the human population on earth so that we can start over and do it better next time. While reading this book I spent most of my time thinking this was just another in a long line of such plots but fortunately, Brown provides an interesting twist that turns things on their head. The ending is actually pretty good and worth the time to plod through the rest of it.
However, the novel suffers from two main things, both hallmarks of Dan Brown novels. First, he can’t resist being a tour guide. A certain amount of this is fine because it adds color and its cool to see how it can relate to the unfolding plot. But he just goes overboard. A large chunk of the novel is spent with our main characters running from the people trying to catch them. But it’s as if the author planned their escape routes so they would go from one touristy spot to another merely to allow Langdon to pontificate on the artwork or architecture or history of that spot. Wouldn’t want all that author research to go to waste. It really bogs down the plot.
The second problem area is the writing itself. Unrealistic dialog, amateur phrasing, repetitive prose and massive pacing problems permeate his work. I really noticed what I call the “American Idol” syndrome at play here. The drawing out of suspense, beyond the breaking point. Like when the American Idol folks stretch out who is going home, teasing and stalling, and then going to a commercial break before the announcement. It’s like that here too. In my mind, it cheapens the story.
So, in the end, I like the plot but would prefer the book be edited down by at least twenty percent, resisting the urge to stop the action to admire yet one more sculpture.
toebean5's review against another edition
3.0
It's getting a little ridiculous, Robert Langdon. Amnesia?
I kinda liked the ending, though. *Spoiler alert* The idea that they didn't make it in time, and now they deal with it from there... and the guy's plague? Personally, I thought it was kind of genius (not advocating it, just saying- far more effective and sympathetic than a black death sort of deal).
I kinda liked the ending, though. *Spoiler alert* The idea that they didn't make it in time, and now they deal with it from there... and the guy's plague? Personally, I thought it was kind of genius (not advocating it, just saying- far more effective and sympathetic than a black death sort of deal).
katiekohler13's review against another edition
4.0
It was a flood book, but lacked the grand finale that Angels and Demons and Da Vincible Code had. I love Robert Langdon's character, and I will continue to read Dan Brown's books.
pagesofmaria's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 out of 5 stars.
I really enjoyed every Robert Langdon book that I read but I enjoyed this more. Just when I thought I predicted the plot of the story it takes another turn and left me dumbfounded. The plot twist is clever and not mind blowing yet it suits the story very well. The pacing and the end of every chapter would surely keep you up if you are reading it late at night.
Moreover, reading this book makes me want to read The Divine Comedy! Definitely my favorite out of all the Robert Langdon books that I’ve read so far. Looking forward to reading The Origin!
I really enjoyed every Robert Langdon book that I read but I enjoyed this more. Just when I thought I predicted the plot of the story it takes another turn and left me dumbfounded. The plot twist is clever and not mind blowing yet it suits the story very well. The pacing and the end of every chapter would surely keep you up if you are reading it late at night.
Moreover, reading this book makes me want to read The Divine Comedy! Definitely my favorite out of all the Robert Langdon books that I’ve read so far. Looking forward to reading The Origin!
traducienta's review against another edition
5.0
Dan Brown es un genio y este libro fue unputdownable para mi. No podía dejar de leer.
aelachance19's review against another edition
4.0
A decent, overall well-written read that kept me both interested and wanting more.
I am by no means an expert on Dante, his Divine Comedy, or any of the historical or artistic facts referenced in this book. The bits I found interesting enough to cross-reference checked out, for what that's worth.
Although, in my opinion, by no means Dan Brown's best, I still found it hard to put down on many occasions - mainly because it centered around a concept I found equal parts intriguing and terrifying.
Summation: no Angels and Demons (my favorie Brown work to date), but definitely still worth the time it takes to read it.
I am by no means an expert on Dante, his Divine Comedy, or any of the historical or artistic facts referenced in this book. The bits I found interesting enough to cross-reference checked out, for what that's worth.
Although, in my opinion, by no means Dan Brown's best, I still found it hard to put down on many occasions - mainly because it centered around a concept I found equal parts intriguing and terrifying.
Summation: no Angels and Demons (my favorie Brown work to date), but definitely still worth the time it takes to read it.